George Topfer and Janetter Chilcott

George Topfer was born in Essen, Germany on 2 February 1832. Migrated to Australia with his father George and sister Anna as assisted immigrants on the German ship Johann Caesar which arrived in Moreton Bay (Queensland) on 8 February 1856.

George settled in Warwick, Queensland on a farm. Was a linen weaver by trade before coming to Australia. He lived in Warwick for a number of years then shifted to the Richmond River, New South Wales, where he acquired a farming property at Cumbalum near Ballina.

Married Janet (Janetter) Chilcott of Ballina on 26 August 1862. He established a store and post office at Cumbalum. According to the Post Office, he initially had the contract for Ballina to Emigrant Creek, once weekly by horseback, £20 per year, then Ballina, Emigrant Creek and Tintenbar, twice weekly for £45 per year. Took an interest in public affairs and served several terms as Alderman of the then Ballina Municipal Council during the years 1893 to 1896. George was also a longtime chair or president of the Tintenbar Progress Association.